Financial redress for historical child abuse: consultation summary

This consultation seeks views on the detailed design of a statutory financial redress scheme in Scotland, scheme administration issues, and views on financial redress as part of a package of wider reparations for survivors of historical child abuse in care.

Introduction

In October 2018 the Deputy First Minister committed to introducing a financial redress scheme, based on recommendations from a consultation with survivors which was carried out in 2017. Those earlier survivor views are the starting point for this consultation.

Getting the design of a financial redress scheme right is really important to acknowledge what happened, and to do that with compassion and sensitivity. We know that nothing can make up for what happened. Financial redress needs to be part of a package, along with other measures to help survivors.

This consultation asks questions about:

the design of a financial redress scheme;

who will make financial contributions to the cost of delivering the scheme;

how the scheme will be delivered, and

how redress might fit alongside acknowledgement, apology and support.

This consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 25 November 2019. It is important we hear the views of as many people as possible, especially survivors. The information you provide will help us develop the law needed for the financial redress scheme, which will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament during 2020.

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is independent of government and any other organisation and is not included in any part of this consultation.

This consultation cannot be used as a way to address any concerns or comments you might have about your own individual circumstances. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.

If thinking about redress and this consultation is causing immediate distress Breathing Space and the Samaritans can provide help.

Breathing space: Call free of charge on 0800 83 85 87, Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 2am, weekend from Friday at 6pm to Monday morning at 6am. https://breathingspace.scot/.